The Rock Talks Ending Undertaker’s Streak, Taking WM Spots, More

The Rock recently was interviewed by BetweenTheRopes.com. Here are a few highlights from the interview.

On John Cena saying the build up has been stressful and whether or not he agrees: “No. It hasn’t been stressing or stressful in any way. I know what John’s talking about, though. For me, it’s been challenging. It’s been challenging for both of us because we set the main event a year in advance. I had to go away to film a few movies. So, the balance was to try and make sure that we kept interest but not in a way that fans got tired of it.

“So, it was trying to find that balance of keep a little bit of interest. Whether it was through social media or whether it was through me doing a quick promo that I was able to send in. Once the last pay-per-view ended and I was able to come back and spend six weeks back, that’s when we were able to ramp things up. It’s been challenging but it’s been fun as well.”

On the pressure of living up to the hype with John Cena: “The pressure was there. We set the goal over a year ago: We want to create the biggest match of all-time. That’s saying a lot because there have been massive, massive matches at WrestleMania. So, there’s a little bit of pressure there. The challenge is there.

“Here’s the thing: The variables are that I’ve prepared. I’ve prepared better for any match that I’ve ever prepared for. Even though I wasn’t in the ring wrestling every night like I was in the past, I still had my training camps. I was able to have rings in every city that I was shooting at. New Orleans, Hawaii, North Carolina. I had all my guys come in. The wrestlers came in. So, I prepared.

“The WWE does an incredible job at marketing. John’s been working his ass off. We’re all set.”

On the possibility of potentially ending The Undertaker’s streak: “Undertaker don’t want no part of me. I can tell you right now. He don’t want none of this. I’ll kick his — wait. He’s not looking, is he? [Laughs.] Maybe. Look — I’ve wrestled The Undertaker a whole bunch of times. The guy’s amazing. What he’s been able to do over the years and all the injuries that he battles back from. I just saw him last night. He looks fantastic. He’s ready for his match. … I wouldn’t rule anything out.”

On the comments John Cena made leading up to their inevitable match: “I was surprised at the comments but, I know John. I don’t know him that well but I knew him when he came in. We talked for a little bit and then I left. But, I knew what his intentions were with his comments.

“They weren’t malicious in any way. The guy loves the business of professional wrestling and he’s a fan of mine. He wanted to see me back. Plus, I know he’s been vying for this match for many, many years. He would tell Vince. He would see my mom and he’d tell my mom, ‘I gotta wrestle your son.’ So, he’s been trying for this match for a long time.

“He said some things that he shouldn’t have said but I didn’t take them personally. I knew what he meant by that. Now, I utilized that was my opportunity to come back and kick his ass. That’s what happens.”

On the reception of some wrestlers in the locker room: “Some guys have said [that I'm taking their spot]. Some guys have voiced their displeasure with me coming back and me being in the main event at WrestleMania. It’s very, very simple; it’s just business.

“So, for the guys that understand how our business works and understand the value of me coming back and helping create the biggest match of all time, the biggest WrestleMania of all time… I mean, we’re on track to break records. That’s a good thing. If it’s a good thing for the company, if it’s a good thing for the business, then it’s a great thing for all the boys.

“The ones who understand that get it. The ones that don’t — don’t. Will they ever get it? I don’t know.”